Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Lyons.

I accept the veracity of the Minister's statement that the review is not a criticism of the service provided by Dublin Fire Brigade. I also note that it is the Dublin city manager, in conjunction with the HSE, who is carrying out this report. It is not that I would question anybody's integrity in this issue, but there should at least be an independent evaluation. Who is to say that the Dublin city manager or Dublin City Council would not encourage a hiving off of the service to some other organisation? The least it deserves is an independent assessment.

The cost breakdown suggests that the Dublin Fire Brigade provides an exceptionally efficient service. When one looks at the difficulties and the complaints nationally, one can see that most of the complaints derive from outside of Dublin. Maybe the Minister should look at that as well. All I ask is that there be an independent assessment of whether moving the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service to the HSE would make any difference or would compromise or enhance the service. That would be useful. In general, people have not expressed any complaints about the service.

The issue of HIQA oversight is a red herring. The Dublin Fire Brigade already subscribes to that in its commitment to providing a service.

With a tweaking of legislative proposals or statutory instruments, Dublin Fire Brigade could be brought within HIQA oversight in meeting HIQA guidelines.

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